🚨Traci Ruiz🚔’s Post

How do you measure success in a business? Is it total revenue, total profit, or some other metric? I would argue that one of the most important characteristics of a successful business is its ability to create impact; to generate change and help improve the lives of others. carter joey® has celebrated many "wins" and achieved impressive milestones over the last few years, but this one feels different - it IS different. Through the formation of "carter cares," we'll be able to impact the lives of countless people and continue striving to make a positive difference in the world. This idea is young, but the potential is massive. Please take a minute to visit the page linked below. Share with your network, and of course let us know if we can help. #impact #success #cartercares #philanthropy #beactivenotbusy #socialimpact

🦒✨ Phil had a wonderful time sitting down with his pal, Jamie Levy, to chat about the power of philanthropy and how we can all make a difference in the world. One key takeaway from their conversation? The importance of truly listening to others. 🤝 Today’s goal: take a moment to listen—really listen—to a friend or family member without distractions. It’s a simple way to show respect, deepen connections, and spread kindness. 💛 Let’s practice respect through listening! What will you learn today? 👂🌟 #WeAreAllPhilanthropists #OutAndAboutWithPhil #Respect #ListenAndLearn #KindnessInAction

Kudos to Joseph Brooks, Betsy Erickson, and Molly Lyons on your Purposeful Planning Institute webinar this morning. Thanks to the three of you for highlighting the 10 psychological barriers to giving. Many of them are familiar to me given my interaction with donors. ➡️ too many choices I often hear people express how overwhelmed they are by all the choices and then not knowing how to choose. ➡️ fear of attention or public scrutiny I work with some donors who prefer to give anonymously because they don't want the attention. They don't want to be on everyone's donor list. ➡️ worrying that you need to learn more to make good decisions Even this can become overwhelming--there's so much to learn--when before the answers came easily as the CEO of their company. ➡️ lack of time Oh we all feel this one, don't we??? These are just a few of the barriers that were discussed this morning. And amazingly some of the solutions for behavioral or mindset shifts around these barriers are small and simple. So, don't let them get in your way! Want to learn more? Check out the report for yourself. #giving #philanthropy #barriers #philanthropyadvising

🤝 Hospitality and Philanthropy: A Lesson in Relationship-Building Anyone who knows me has probably heard me say, “Always bake someone a pie before ever asking them to borrow a cup of sugar.” It’s a philosophy rooted in my upbringing on a farm, where community and kindness were second nature. I watched my parents drop everything to help a neighbor—whether it was welding a piece of farm equipment, sharing a gallon of fresh milk, or simply offering a warm cup of coffee and a freshly baked pastry. When my mother passed, someone described her in a way that stayed with me: “Marty knew no strangers; they were just friends she had not met yet.” That spirit of generosity and connection is how I approach relationship-building. It starts with a simple question: “What can I do for you? How can I help with your project or cause?” Through genuine curiosity and a willingness to give, you learn about others, and share your mission, and your "why." If you can support each other, fantastic. If not, you've still helped someone along their journey. Hospitality and philanthropy go hand in hand—they’re about building bridges, creating value, and fostering community. What’s your take on building relationships? I’d love to hear your thoughts! 🌟 #Community #Philanthropy #Hospitality #RelationshipBuilding

Navigating challenging conversations is a crucial aspect of working as a #nonfprofitleader, especially amid divisive issues like politics, cultural debates, and international conflicts. Here are key strategies for maintaining civility and fostering understanding: 📏 Set Expectations: Clarify shared intentions before discussing controversial topics to avoid misunderstandings and defensiveness. 🤗 Embrace Humanity: Recognize the physiological response to stress and know when to step away to regain composure. 🎇 Show Your Work: Avoid dismissive arguments by demonstrating thoughtful consideration of viewpoints. 🎯 Give (and Get) Grace: Foster an environment where mistakes are acknowledged and learned from, rather than feared and punished. 🤝 Agree to Disagree: Focus on finding common ground rather than striving for unanimous agreement, acknowledging and respecting diverse perspectives. Effective inclusive communication within nonprofits is vital for relationship-building and advancing shared goals. Loved this article from The Chronicle of Philanthropy, worth its reading! #DEIB+Action #engagement #communications #philanthropy

Serve Your Community: The Power of Giving Back and Making a Difference Discover the profound impact of serving your community and how it can transform your life. Learn why giving back not only benefits your community but also helps you grow as an individual. Leave a lasting legacy and set a positive example for future generations. #ServeYourCommunity #PowerOfGivingBack #MakeADifference #CommunityImpact #PersonalGrowth #LegacyBuilding #PositiveExample #CommunityService #ServingOthers #InspireChange

Today is all about making a difference. 💙 On Giving Tuesday, we reflect on the power of generosity and the impact it can have on our communities. Let’s celebrate the spirit of giving—whether it’s time, resources, or support—because every act of kindness counts. How are you giving back today? Share your story in the comments! #GivingTuesday #MakeADifference #CommunityMatters #DMHBusinessSolutions

Who should you prioritize in your giving? As the giving season begins, we often face tough questions: Who do I give to? How much? Will my generosity make a difference? The needs can feel overwhelming. I recently discovered a concept that reframed how I think about giving: “circles of responsibility.” This approach encourages us to prioritize generosity by starting with those closest to us—family, close friends, and neighbors—then expanding outward to the church, local community, and the world. The most challenging circle? The people closest to us. Supporting family or friends often requires more than money—it demands time, emotional energy, and a willingness to engage deeply. But these investments create the strongest bonds and have the greatest impact. We’re all called to generosity in different ways. For me, this framework provides clarity and purpose, helping me focus on where my giving can make the most difference. How do you decide where to give? Do you use a similar approach, or do you have a different framework? I’d love to hear your perspective and learn from your experience! Good article on this: https://lnkd.in/g5SPUWC4 #Generosity #GivingSeason #FaithInAction #ChristianGiving #IntentionalGenerosity #ImpactfulLiving #BiblicalStewardship #PurposeDrivenLife #CommunityImpact #RelationshipBuilding

It’s the season of reflection, and one lesson that stands out is this: we're more blessed when giving than receiving. Giving back isn't just about generosity — it's about connection, purpose, and legacy. From fostering community bonds to inspiring future generations, every act of kindness has the power to create lasting change. Curious about how giving back can transform your perspective, well-being, and even your definition of success? This article dives into it all. It’s a reminder that small actions can spark big change. Read on and discover the true power of giving back. https://lnkd.in/eDcqu972 #NorfleetIntegratedSolutions #Kindness #GivingBack #BusinessLeaders #BusinessConsultingFlorida #BusinessFlorida 

People often talk about the impact of volunteer work, but I had the privilege of seeing it firsthand at a recent Comfort Zone Camp event. Watching these children find their voice and confidence after experiencing profound loss is nothing short of inspiring. What struck me most was how this camp not only heals the campers but also transforms the volunteers. We’re there to support the kids, but the reality is, we walk away with just as much—if not more—perspective and gratitude. It’s a reminder of how resilience can thrive in the toughest of times. The sense of community at Comfort Zone Camp is a testament to the power of empathy, connection, and shared experiences. The children, through their strength, teach us how to lead with kindness, and the volunteers, in return, guide them with compassion and care. If you’ve ever thought about making a difference, this is your chance. Get involved, give back, and witness the kind of growth that leaves a lasting mark—not just on those you help but on yourself as well. How do you find meaning in giving back? https://lnkd.in/ew4WyaGT #ComfortZoneCamp #GivingBack #VolunteerLife #LeadWithKindness